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India is yet to tap the potential of its tourism sector efficiently

Published on : Thursday, November 2, 2017

This Swiss couple, Quentin Jeremy Clerc and Marie Droz had visited India to experience its rich history and culture. On the fateful day of October 22, the duo instead went through the country’s dark underbelly. While exploring Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, few locals stalked, harassed and assaulted the two with sticks and stones. Clerc suffered a fractured skull and Droz a broken arm. Both want to leave India as early as possible.

Point to be noted, these incidents are not isolate events. If we look back, as per the Media reports quoting home ministry data shows that in the year 2014 there were around 113 incidents where international visitors faced crime in New Delhi alone. In 2015, figures went even higher, at 135. To note, such reports mar India’s image and raise doubts on our culture where it says treat guests as God — Atithi Devo Bhava.

These incidents, side by side, reflect the fact that as a country we are still to fully understand the role of tourism in terms of economic development and job creation. The governments have not given importance in leveraging the full potential of tourism and instill its advantages among the nation’s collective consciousness.